2026 Mississippi Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the nation — which means even a moderate LPN salary goes further here than higher numbers in coastal states. Holmes Community College offers hybrid and evening training options that complete in 10–12 months. The Mississippi Delta has among the most severe healthcare worker shortages in the country, with facilities offering incentives that turn a modest salary into genuinely competitive compensation.

$49,960 Avg. Annual Salary
$24.02 Avg. Hourly Wage
3% Job Growth (10-yr)
~900 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Mississippi

Holmes CC, Hinds CC, and other community colleges run practical nursing programs across Mississippi at tuition ranging $4,000–$7,000. Programs complete in 10–12 months — slightly faster than the national average. Clinical placements at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Memorial, and rural Delta healthcare facilities cover the spectrum of settings.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Hinds Community College Raymond Community College 12 months $4,200
East Mississippi Community College Scooba Community College 12 months $4,000
Pearl River Community College Poplarville Community College 12 months $4,400
Northwest Mississippi Community College Senatobia Community College 12 months $4,100

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Mississippi

No Mississippi LPN program is fully online — the Mississippi Board of Nursing requires supervised clinical hours. Holmes CC offers the most flexible hybrid scheduling with evening and hybrid options designed for working adults. Delta-region programs are primarily campus-based.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Mississippi residents, visit our dedicated guide:

View Online LPN Programs in Mississippi →

Requirements to Enroll in a Mississippi LPN Program

Mississippi programs have generally less competitive admissions than neighboring states, reflecting the urgent need for more LPNs. Prerequisites are standard — entrance exam, background check, health screening. Delta-region programs are often the easiest to enter due to lower applicant volume.

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Mississippi

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Mississippi Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Mississippi

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Mississippi earn an average of $49,960 per year ($24.02/hour). This places Mississippi below the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Mississippi typically range from $37,200 for entry-level positions to $62,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Mississippi

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Jackson $52,400
Gulfport $50,800
Hattiesburg $49,200

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Mississippi is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 900 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Mississippi

The majority of LPNs in Mississippi work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Mississippi is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Mississippi

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

Mississippi

Mississippi LPN Scope

Mississippi LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Mississippi LPNs are regulated by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Mississippi is an NLC state. Mississippi has one of the most detailed IV therapy medication lists in the country (30 Miss. Code R. 2830-2.4).

You Can Direct Patient Care

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Vital signs and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to care plans
  • Supervising CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy (Detailed Medication List)

Mississippi publishes a specific list of approved IV fluids and medications that LPNs may administer, with dosage limitations:

  • LPNs must complete an IV therapy integrated nursing program or a Board-approved IV therapy course
  • LPNs may initiate Board-approved IV fluids via peripheral route only (NS, D5W, combination solutions at 20–150 ml/hr)
  • LPNs may administer specific Board-approved IV medications: antiemetics, heparin (1ml:1000 units), NS bolus for hypotension, and select hemodialysis medications
  • LPNs may maintain PICC line dressings and check flow rates but CANNOT initiate, regulate, or add medications to central lines
  • LPNs from other states must complete a Mississippi Board-approved IV therapy delineation course before practicing
⚠️ Mississippi-specific restrictions: LPNs CANNOT: administer IV push or bolus medications, blood/blood products/plasma expanders, TPN, chemotherapy, or any IVPB medications not on the Board-approved list. CANNOT perform IV therapy on patients under 2 years old. Pediatric IV therapy (ages 2+) requires additional Board authorization.

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Creating or modifying care plans
  • IV push/bolus medications
  • Blood products, TPN, or chemotherapy
  • Central line initiation or medication administration
  • IV therapy on patients under 2
  • Cardiac stress test administration (even with IV certification)
  • Triage or independent practice

Mississippi LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Hinds Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–16 monthsADN bridge in Jackson metro area
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12 monthsADN bridge on the Gulf Coast
University of South AlabamaOnline + clinicalsSelf-pacedLPN-to-BSN, clinicals in AL or MS, CCNE-accredited
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist

Mississippi Board of Nursing Contact

  • Website: msbn.ms.gov
  • Phone: (601) 957-6300
  • Address: 713 Pear Orchard Rd, Suite 300, Ridgeland, MS 39157

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →